Cold Injury Residuals (Frostbite)

DC 7122Cardiovascular38 CFR 4.104, DC 7122

Lasting damage to tissue from exposure to extreme cold during military service, commonly affecting the hands, feet, ears, and nose. The VA rates cold injury residuals based on the presence of symptoms including pain, numbness, cold sensitivity, tissue loss, and nail abnormalities. Each affected extremity is rated separately.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on objective clinical measurements and test results. The examiner will use standardized tests or lab values to determine the severity of your condition rather than relying primarily on subjective symptom reports.

Diagnostic code

DC 7122

Rating range

10% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.104, DC 7122. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have arthralgia or other pain, numbness, or cold sensitivity plus two or more of the following: tissue loss, nail abnormalities, color changes, locally impaired sensation, hyperhidrosis, or X-ray abnormalities of the affected area.

What the VA looks for

Arthralgia or pain plus two or more additional findings
Multiple documented residual symptoms
X-ray abnormalities combined with tissue changes
Comprehensive cold injury examination findings
Photographs showing tissue loss, color changes, or nail abnormalities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not claiming each affected extremity separately — the VA rates each hand and foot individually, so bilateral cold injury residuals can result in four separate ratings.
⚠Not getting X-rays of the affected extremities — osteoporosis, subarticular punched out lesions, and osteoarthritis from cold injury support a higher rating and are often overlooked.
⚠Not documenting cold sensitivity with objective testing — cold stress testing or thermography can provide objective evidence of abnormal vascular response to cold.
⚠Not connecting service records showing cold weather duty assignments — deployment records, unit histories, and buddy statements documenting cold exposure are critical for establishing service connection.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Cold Injury Residuals

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Cold Injury Residuals (Frostbite)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7122

Rating range

10% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Arthralgia or pain plus two or more additional findings
Multiple documented residual symptoms
X-ray abnormalities combined with tissue changes
Comprehensive cold injury examination findings
Photographs showing tissue loss, color changes, or nail abnormalities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not claiming each affected extremity separately — the VA rates each hand and foot individually, so bilateral cold injury residuals can result in four separate ratings.

⚠Not getting X-rays of the affected extremities — osteoporosis, subarticular punched out lesions, and osteoarthritis from cold injury support a higher rating and are often overlooked.

⚠Not documenting cold sensitivity with objective testing — cold stress testing or thermography can provide objective evidence of abnormal vascular response to cold.

⚠Not connecting service records showing cold weather duty assignments — deployment records, unit histories, and buddy statements documenting cold exposure are critical for establishing service connection.